Using historical fiction as a lens to understand today’s politics can really resonate with middle grade readers. Here’s a list of middle grade historical fiction titles that, while set in the past, echo themes relevant to the current political and social climate like activism, immigration, identity, civil rights, misinformation, and polarization.
5 Middle Grade Historical Fiction To Help Kids Understand The Current Political Moment
1. Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood
Set during the civil rights movement in Mississippi, it follows a girl questioning injustice in her community, mirroring conversations about systemic racism today.
2. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
A Mexican girl becomes a migrant worker in Depression-era California—highlighting economic inequality, racism, and immigration themes still very present today.
3. The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode Three: Berlin Breakout by M.M. Downing and S.J. Waugh
The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Three: Berlin Breakout masterfully takes the history of World War II and makes it accessible for all middle grade readers, focusing on characters’ self-reliance, resourcefulness, and teamwork. Parents wanting to get ahead of questions about Nazis, Hitler and Fascism will do well to add this to their child’s home library.
4. Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin
A chilling look at propaganda and life under a dictatorship, it’s a compelling conversation starter about truth and critical thinking.
5. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Set in 1968 Oakland, the story of three sisters visiting their mother, a Black Panther, introduces kids to protest movements and how activism works.
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